Camilla M. Pollock-Flynn is a retired partner from the law firm LaBarge, Campbell & Lyon. During her time in practice, Camilla dedicated her litigation career to the defense of professionals and skilled workers embroiled in complex liability claims. These suits included construction injuries and medical malpractice allegations, as well as all manner of personal injury and wrongful death claims.
Camilla’s career was not without challenges. When a life-altering cancer diagnosis interrupted her litigation practice, Camilla’s treatment included a complete laryngectomy which left her entirely mute. She began to learn American Sign Language and uses a mixture of signing, writing, and lip reading to communicate. Though she continues to miss her work as a trial attorney, and, most of all, misses working daily alongside the founding partners and colleagues at LaBarge Campbell & Lyon, Camilla has proved resilient. Retired and newly disabled, she has channeled her energy and focus into caring for her young daughter and husband, maintaining her health, strength, and humor, and developing her talents for writing and art. Her work has been awarded a Scribbler first chapter prize and has been published in Wordgathering – a Journal of Disability Poetry and Literature.
In addition, Camilla is an active volunteer, working at Chicago-area programs combating food insecurity, literacy and education programs, and providing resources for the homeless and/or asylum-seekers. She also mentors fellow cancer patients and laryngectomees. She is most passionate about and dedicated to the work of Bounce Children’s Foundation and is honored to serve on its Board of Directors.
Camilla received her B.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, cum laude. She received her J.D. from the DePaul University College of Law, cum laude. She also holds a Certificate of Health Care Law and a CALI Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy from DePaul University College of Law.
She served as Managing Editor and Business and Production Editor of the DePaul Journal of Health Care Law. Past professional memberships also include the Chicago Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, and the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel. Prior philanthropic committee and board positions include being a member of the Junior Board of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, a member of the Junior Board of Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of Chicago, a member of OSM Chicago’s social justice committee, and an American Cancer Society ReseacHERS: Women Fighting Cancer Ambassador.
Camilla spent her childhood on Lookout Mountain, Tennessee but has lived in Chicago, Illinois ever since. She and her husband continue to live in the city with their 9 year old daughter, Mara, whom Camilla considers her proudest accomplishment and greatest source of inspiration.